Filming Locations of Severance: Complete Guide to Where It Was Shot

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Severance.

One of the standout features of Apple TV+’s acclaimed series, Severance, is its stunning visuals and intricate set designs. The creators masterfully employed various real-life locations, predominantly in New York and New Jersey, to construct the series’ captivating yet unsettling dystopian atmosphere. Complementing these sites, substantial studio space was utilized to develop the iconic Lumon Industries, complete with its enigmatic severed floor.

While the series predominantly captivates audiences through its character arcs and their individual dilemmas, it is the artistic direction and high-caliber cinematography that truly draw viewers into the surreal realm dominated by Lumon. Achieving this visual splendor was no small task; it required a collaborative effort from the production crew and benevolent local entities, all contributing to the series’ creation and various filming locales.

Bell Works, Holmdel Township, New Jersey

Historic Garden State Building as Lumon Industries

To depict the Lumon Industries complex in the fictional town of Kier, the production team utilized the Bell Labs Holmdel Complex in Monmouth County, New Jersey, now recognized as Bell Works. This historic site was formerly a hub for pioneering research under AT&T’s Bell Labs division.

During the filming of both seasons 1 and 2, Bell Works facilitated exterior scenes, parking lot shots, and interior moments, particularly showcasing Mark (Adam Scott) as he makes his daily commute before descending to the severed floor. Additional characters, especially upper management, traverse through the halls overlooking the Bell Works parking area, visually representing their elevated statuses within Lumon.

York Studios, Bronx, New York

Production Studio for Lumon’s Severed Floor

Mark on the severed floor in Severance season 2, episode 1

While Bell Works stood in for the exterior of Lumon Industries, the intricate severed floor was a separate challenge altogether. This stark, white office labyrinth where severed employees navigate their daily tasks was constructed at York Studios in the Bronx. Using a studio was essential given the complexity and expanse required for creating this fictional workspace.

The camerawork on the severed floor takes full advantage of the studio’s flexibility. This was particularly evident in the striking long tracking shot of Mark sprinting through the severed area in the premiere of season 2, episode 1, a sequence that necessitated extensive planning and several days of shooting (via Elle Decor).

Kingston, New York

Kingston’s Contributions to the Town of Kier

Dylan in a job interview at Great Doors in Severance — Image via Apple TV+

While New Jersey features prominently in Severance, many critical scenes depicting the town of Kier were filmed in Kingston, New York. For instance, Eng’s Restaurant served as the inspiration for Zufu, a restaurant showcased in season 2. Similarly, the exterior of Great Doors, the door manufacturing company where Dylan (Zach Cherry) interviews for a job, was filmed at the Red Owl Collective antique store.

Season 1, episode 8, features Irving (John Turturro) sitting on a park bench at Cornell Park, situated across from the Celebration Wedding Chapel. Additionally, Irving’s apartment is filmed at the Waterfront at the Strand Apartments in Kingston. The Kingston-Port Ewen Suspension Bridge and the Rondout Train Trestle also made appearances throughout the narrative.

Nyack, New York

Key Filming Locations in Nyack

Mark stopping Ms. Cobel's car from driving away in Severance

Nyack features prominently in Severance, particularly in Baird Creek Manor, a neighborhood subsidized by Lumon Industries. This serene area was the backdrop for several scenes across seasons 1 and 2, framing the residences of outie Mark and Mrs. Selvig (Patricia Arquette).

Mark’s romantic dinner date with Alexa (Nikki M. James) in season 1 was filmed at the Hudson House in Nyack. Additionally, the Gulf Gas Station, where Petey (Yul Vazquez) meets his untimely demise, is situated at the intersection of Route 9W and Christian Herald Road (via Atlas of Wonders).Notably, Time Out emphasizes that filming also took place at Two Villains Brewing microbrewery.

Marine Park Golf Course, Brooklyn, New York

Marine Park Golf Course as the Goat Room

Helly and Mark walking through the Mammalians Nurturable goat department in Severance

In season 2, episode 3, viewers follow Mark and Helly (Britt Lower) as they traverse Lumon Industries in search of Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman).They venture into the unusual Goat Wrangling department, which returns from season 1, and delve into the Mammalian’s Nurturable room—a spacious indoor area used for raising goats within Lumon’s ecosystem.

Though this department appears to be a genuine studio setting, its indoor scenes were actually filmed at Marine Park Golf Course in Brooklyn. According to Vulture, the filmmakers erected a tent over a section of the golf course and utilized CGI to fabricate walls and ceilings, ultimately achieving a convincing indoor agricultural environment.

Ulster County, New York

Ulster County’s Natural Beauty and Its Role

Mark, Dylan, Helly, and Irving walking on a snowy cliff in Severance season 2 episode 4

In season 2, episode 4, the narrative shifts to the great outdoors as the Refiners embark on an Outdoor Retreat Team Building Occurrence (ORTBO) in the snowy Dieter Eagan National Forest. This ethereal excursion was filmed at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve, where the characters encounter the stunning Woe’s Hollow waterfall, which is actually Awosting Falls.

Beyond Dieter Eagan National Forest, numerous locations in Ulster County contributed to the depiction of the town of Kier. For example, season 1, episode 5 features a pivotal scene at the Damon Birthing Retreat, filmed at the Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gateway in New Paltz, where Devon meets with Gabby Arteta (Nora Dale), the severed spouse of Senator Arteta (Ethan Flower).

The series pilot introduces viewers to Mark’s outie as he meets up with his former colleague Petey at Pip’s Bar & Grille diner, shot at the nostalgic Phoenicia Diner in Ulster County. Mark reoccurs here conversing with Devon (Jen Tullock) in season 2 as well.

Westchester County, New York

Key Filming Venues in Westchester

Adam Scott as Mark in a church in Severance

Significant moments for Mark occur at his sister Devon’s house towards the end of season 1 and the beginning of season 2. This residence is the Bier House, constructed in 1949 within the Usonia Historic District near Pleasantville in Westchester County.

Additionally, the Trinity Lutheran Church in White Plains served as a backdrop during the poignant scene of Petey’s funeral in season 1, episode 4, attended by Mark and Ms. Cobel. Notably, Mark’s outie engages with Petey at Sprainbrook Nursery greenhouse in season 1, episode 2, where Petey shares crucial information about Lumon’s severed floor map shortly before his death.

Beacon, New York

Turning Beacon into Downtown Kier

A man handing out fliers in front of the Hall of Record in Severance — Image via Apple TV+

In season 1, episode 2, the picturesque city of Beacon, nestled in Dutchess County, serves as a backdrop for several scenes intended to depict Kier. Notably, the date scene between Mark and Alexa unfolds in downtown Beacon. To create the illusion of Kier, the production team adapted various storefronts, blocking streets and parking lots during filming.

In this scene, Mark encounters an anti-severance protester distributing pamphlets outside the Hall of Records, representative of the Beacon Building on Main Street. Furthermore, the Poughkeepsie Journal noted that nighttime exterior shots were captured from rooftops and balconies in Beacon.

Yonkers, New York

Yonkers’ Role in Creating the Severed Floor

Kier Eagan's home replica in Severance's Perpetuity Wing

Among the most striking areas within Lumon’s severed floor is the Perpetuity Wing, explored by the Macrodata Refiners in season 1, episode 3. This expansive museum houses various exhibits detailing Lumon Industries’ history and the enigmatic Eagan family, including a replica of Kier Eagan’s (Marc Gellar) residence. However, production designer Jeremy Hindle revealed that the Kier house replica was too expansive for the team to construct in-studio.

Fortunately, a real museum in the Bronx provided the perfect setting for the Perpetuity Wing, with the replica filmed at the 1877 Gilded Age Glenview House, part of the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers. Additionally, filming occurred in the picturesque Pietro Drive neighborhood within Yonkers.

Source: Elle Decoration, Atlas of Wonders, Time Out, Vulture, Poughkeepsie Journal

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